Kepa Arrizabalaga came on in the closing minute of extra time for a first-choice keeper, Eduardo Mendy and in a heroic manner saved two penalties for Chelsea to emerge winners of the 2021 Super Cup game against Villarreal in Belfast, Ireland on Wednesday.
Arrizabalaga who lost his place to Mendy became the hero for the Londoners after denying Villarreal’s Captain, Raul Albiol, in sudden death and gifted Chelsea a second Super Cup for the first time since winning it in 1998.
Chelsea led the Europa Cup winners in the first half through Moroccan Hakim Ziyech 27th minute effort, but some slumpy defending caused by intense pressure from the Spanish team exposed Mendy to Gerard Moreno’s equalizer in the 73rd minute, forcing the game into extra time, then penalties which ended 6-5.
